Unafraid by Michael Griffo

any scenario could be real. And just like that Michael thought any alibi could be the truth.
    He started the engine, and as the sound of the Benz’s delightful purr filled his ears, Michael decided that if David approached them, he would simply say they were driving into Eden since it was Friday, which was technically considered part of the weekend. A bit of a stretch—well, an out-and-out lie—but Michael thought it would suffice as an explanation. Turned out his preparation was unnecessary, and no one stopped them as they drove toward the front gate. But just as they were about to cross the metal entrance gate and exit the Archangel campus, they faced another obstacle. “Stop!” Ronan cried out.
    As Michael slammed on the brakes, the boys lurched forward and then were flung back into their seats. “What the hell’s wrong?!” Michael asked, not at all happy at the interruption.
    â€œThe electronic fence!” Ronan shouted back. “Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean it’s been shut down.”
    Seriously? That’s why you made me stop? “That can’t hurt us,” Michael said.
    â€œNo, not us, but the car might not survive the shock.”
    â€œOh yeah,” Michael said dejectedly. “I hadn’t thought about that.” Disappointed, Michael didn’t want to give in, but it looked like he had no choice. “Guess we’ll have to travel the old-fashioned way,” Michael said. “On foot.”
    Just as he was about to put the car in reverse and return to the parking lot, Ronan ordered him to stop once again. “I have an idea.” He jumped out of the car, shut the door, and ran to the metal gate. Silently, Ronan explained his idea to his boyfriend. “I’ll absorb the shock of the electronic current as you drive through the fence.”
    Michael’s face lit up. “That’s brilliant!”
    â€œI know,” Ronan said, smiling. “You think up funny little phrases, and I think up smashingly brilliant ideas.”
    If Ronan had been sitting next to him, Michael would have kissed him. “That’s why we’re the perfect team,” Michael replied. “Ready?”
    Standing to the side of the entrance gate, Ronan grabbed onto the metal pole. “Go for it!”
    Michael took his foot off of the brake pedal and placed it on the gas, all the way down until the car zoomed under and past the front gate, untouched by the electronic current. He turned back and saw Ronan, equally unharmed, pumping his fist underneath the twisted metal lettering that spelled out Archangel Academy. They did it; they found a way around yet another hurdle. They were so excited they were acting as if they were going for a joyride instead of in search of a missing person.
    Jumping into the front seat, Ronan was beaming. “Take me to London, James.”
    Michael kept his eyes looking forward as he drove onto the cobblestone road and away from school. “You do know that my name is Michael, right?”
    Staring out the window as the countryside rolled alongside him, Ronan stifled a laugh. “Just drive.”
    Â 
    Finding a parking spot in front of Edwige’s flat proved to be as effortless as the long drive itself. It was partly due to Michael’s enhanced reflexes and vision and partly due to his growing confidence, he mastered the British highway system and maneuvered the car through city traffic like an expert. If Ronan hadn’t been so anxious he would have told Michael how impressed he was, but after the thrill of their getaway had passed all he could think about was what he was going to say to his mother, how he was going to tell her off for ignoring him all this time. He was going to give her an earful the second after she opened her door.
    After the third knock it was apparent he wasn’t going to get the chance. “She isn’t home,” Ronan observed.
    Instinctively, Michael took